Charvelhttp://www.guitarworld.com/taxonomy/term/1172/all
enGuitar World and The Music Zoo Announce Guthrie Govan Master Class, Clinic, Q&A and Gear Demohttp://www.guitarworld.com/guitar-world-and-music-zoo-announce-guthrie-govan-master-class-clinic-and-gear-demo
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>Guitar World</em> and <a href="http://www.themusiczoo.com/">the Music Zoo</a> invite you to the event of a lifetime. Together, we’re granting you an all-access Master Class with Guthrie Govan. Famed for his super-versatile ability to play just about any style under the sun and his impeccable improvisational skills, Govan is hailed as one of the most skilled guitarists of this generation. Ever since his playthrough of his instrumental track “Fives” went viral around six years ago, Govan has remained in the spotlight among guitar players around the world and continues to push the boundaries of guitar music with his band, the Aristocrats. At 6 p.m. February 23, Govan will appear at <a href="http://www.themusiczoo.com/">the Music Zoo</a> in Roslyn (Long Island), New York (less than an hour outside of Manhattan), to host a Master Class followed by a clinic and gear demo. The night also will include a Q&amp;A session moderated by <em>Guitar World</em> contributing editor and columnist Andy Aledort. The evening will culminate with a meet-and-greet for everyone in attendance. Govan also will talk about his <a href="http://www.themusiczoo.com/category/6900/Charvel-Guitars/">Charvel Guitar signature models.</a> This is one of very few Master Classes Govan has hosted in the U.S., so don’t miss this rare opportunity! <strong><a href="http://www.themusiczoo.com/product/23325">Tickets are available here.</a> Each ticket allows one person to enter the event, so please buy one ticket per attendee. The event will take place at the Haute/Durvo event space within the Music Zoo complex. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.themusiczoo.com/guthrie-govan-event.php">themusiczoo.com.</a></strong></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/guitar-world-and-music-zoo-announce-guthrie-govan-master-class-clinic-and-gear-demo#commentsCharvelFMIC Specialty BrandsGuthrie GovanThe Music ZooNewsWed, 18 Feb 2015 18:15:59 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/23220Review: Charvel Guitars Jake E. Lee Signature Model Guitar — Videohttp://www.guitarworld.com/review-charvel-guitars-jake-e-lee-signature-model-guitar-video
<!--paging_filter--><p>It must have been a Herculean task for Jake E. Lee to take over the guitar-playing slot in Ozzy Osbourne’s band after the singer’s beloved rising star guitarist, Randy Rhoads, perished in a plane crash back in 1982. </p>
<p>But that’s exactly what Lee did. With blazing riffs and ripping solos in songs like “Bark at the Moon” and “Rock N’ Roll Rebel,” Jake E. Lee became an overnight guitar hero for many aspiring guitarists who wanted to copy every nuance of his wicked vibrato and incendiary technique. </p>
<p>To perform those and other songs, he relied on heavily modified mid-Seventies Fender Stratocaster that many assumed was a Charvel guitar. </p>
<p>Affectionately dubbed “Whitey,” the guitar originally had a tobacco sunburst finish until Lee’s roommate, who worked as a painter at Charvel, shaved down the headstock and painted it white. The guitar’s most noticeable modification was to the middle and neck single-coil pickups, which were slanted in reverse, a Hendrix-inspired configuration that made it distinctively cool and which makes it all the more surprising that Charvel never seized an opportunity to offer the guitar as a signature model or a variation thereof, despite the company changing hands.</p>
<p>Since his brief tenure in Ozzy and with his own band, Badlands, Lee has kept a low profile, but he recently emerged with his new band, Red Dragon Cartel. Throughout his erratic career, what has remained consistent is the guitar with which he is most identified. Thankfully, this time around, Charvel is recognizing this iconic instrument by offering the Jake E. Lee Signature model with the same stripped-down sensibility and killer tones.</p>
<p><strong>FEATURES</strong> There are plenty of well-established Strat-style guitars available but none come close to the Spartan refinement of the JEL. Unlike most “super strats” in this categorical arena, which commonly possess locking tremolos, extra frets and dual humbuckers, the JEL features only the bare necessities, including a hard-tail bridge design, 21 frets, a Seymour Duncan JB humbucker and two reverse-slanted DiMarzio SDS-1 single-coil pickups, which are controlled by a singular volume knob and five-position blade switch. </p>
<p>The guitar features an incredibly lightweight ash body and a very slim, quarter-sawn maple neck with a rosewood fretboard. The medium-jumbo frets are superbly dressed and crowned, and the 25 1/2–inch-scale neck is super fast, with a hand-rubbed oil finish that makes chord changes feel incredibly smooth. The pearl-white with lavender-hue finish, matching painted headstock and Gotoh pearl button tuners give the guitar the boldness of a white tuxedo at a black-tie affair. </p>
<p><strong>PERFORMANCE</strong> The JEL is an expressive instrument because it warrants flying around the fretboard with downright ease. It’s no surprise Lee was able to wrangle wide-interval vibrato tricks that simulated the effect of a tremolo bar—the 12-to-16-inch compound radius allows for remarkable two-and-a-half-step bends without a hint of fretting out. The neck is rock-solid sturdy despite having such a sleek profile, which makes fluid sweep picking or wrapping your thumb over the top edge of the fretboard a cinch. </p>
<p>The Seymour Duncan JB humbucker is perfectly suited for this model, having all the midrange bite needed for a variety of musical styles without overwhelming the inherent sweet tone of its ash body. The reverse-slanted DiMarzio SDS-1 pickups have a slightly hotter output but are properly balanced for clarity. Having them inverted reveals a woolly nature on the high strings, where notes sound fatter with plenty of brawn. On the bass side, notes have a flutey bottom end and prolonged sustain. For all its simplicity, the JEL sounds huge and feels like a high-end custom instrument, proving less is truly more.</p>
<p><strong>LIST PRICE</strong> $2,831.35<br />
<strong>MANUFACTURER</strong> Charvel Guitars, <a href="http://charvel.com/">charvel.com</a></p>
<p>The DiMarzio SDS-1 single-coil pickups have plenty of zest in this reverse-slanted configuration, which makes notes sound bigger.</p>
<p>Quite possibly the most comfortable, shred-worthy neck profile, which makes playing this guitar effortless. </p>
<p><strong>THE BOTTOM LINE</strong> The Charvel JEL Signature is a stripped-down rock and metal machine with pure, raw tones and the most player-friendly neck.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/AsYtE9tVQYc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/review-charvel-guitars-jake-e-lee-signature-model-guitar-video#commentsCharvelFMIC Specialty BrandsJake E. LeeJanuary 2015VideosNewsGearMagazineWed, 04 Feb 2015 19:31:24 +0000Paul Riariohttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/23003NAMM 2015: Charvel Announces New San Dimas, So-Cal and Warren DeMartini Guitarshttp://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2015-charvel-announces-new-san-dimas-so-cal-and-warren-demartini-guitars
<!--paging_filter--><p><strong>Follow along with Guitar World's coverage of the 2015 Winter NAMM Show with nonstop gear news items and videos on <a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/tags/namm-2015">GuitarWorld.com's official NAMM 2015 Zone,</a> updates on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuitarWorld">Facebook</a> and photos and more on <a href="https://twitter.com/GuitarWorld">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/guitarworldmagazine">Instagram.</a></strong></p>
<p>Return to Charvel's ancestral Southern California home with the high performance Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH. </p>
<p>It features a one-piece quartersawn maple neck with classic San Dimas profile, compound-radius fingerboard (12"-16") with 22 jumbo frets, Seymour Duncan '59 SH-1N (neck) and TB-4 (bridge) humbucking pickups with three-way toggle switch, single knurled black master volume control, recessed Floyd Rose Original double-locking tremolo and R3 locking nut, Charvel tuners and black hardware.</p>
<p>The hum/single Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HS HT features a Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 humbucking (bridge) pickup and direct-mount Seymour Duncan STK-S6 (neck) pickup.</p>
<p>Hot-rodded for scorching sound and outstanding feel and performance, Charvel's sleek Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH features a one-piece quartersawn maple neck with classic San Dimas profile, compound-radius fingerboard(12"-16") with 22 jumbo frets, Seymour Duncan SH-1 '59 (neck) and JB TB4 (bridge) humbucking pickups withthree-way toggle switch, single-ply flat black pickguard, single knurled black master volume control, top-mounted output jack, recessed Floyd Rose Original double-locking tremolo and R3 locking nut, Charvel tuners and black hardware.</p>
<p>The new Warren DeMartini Signature Blood and Skulls Pro Mod was designed and built to Warren’s demanding specifications. Features include a Custom Designed Seymour Duncan humbucking pickup, alder body, quartersawn rock maple neck with compound radius maple fingerboard and San Dimas neck back shape. Charvel machine heads, FRT 1000 Floyd Rose tremolo, and Charvel NOS brass strap buttons are standard equipment. </p>
<p>The new Warren DeMartini Signature Snake Pro Mod features a Custom Designed Seymour Duncan humbucking pickup in the bridge position, Seymour Duncan Quarter Pounder in the neck position and his iconic “snake” custom finish.</p>
<p>For more information, go to <a href="http://www.charvel.com/">charvelguitars.com.</a></p>
<p><strong>For more NAMM 2015 coverage, visit <a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/tags/namm-2015">GuitarWorld.com's official NAMM 2015 Zone,</a> get updates on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GuitarWorld">Facebook</a> and photos and more on <a href="https://twitter.com/GuitarWorld">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/guitarworldmagazine">Instagram.</a> It's like you're at the show!</strong></p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/Charvel%20Pro%20Mod%20So-Cal%20Style%201%20HH.jpg" width="620" height="192" alt="Charvel Pro Mod So-Cal Style 1 HH.jpg" /></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2015-charvel-announces-new-san-dimas-so-cal-and-warren-demartini-guitars#commentsCharvelFMIC Specialty BrandsNAMM 2015Warren DeMartiniElectric GuitarsNewsGearFri, 23 Jan 2015 13:53:39 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/23345Charvel Guthrie Govan Signature Guitar — Demo Videohttp://www.guitarworld.com/charvel-guthrie-govan-signature-guitar-demo-video
<!--paging_filter--><p>Below, check out a new demo video of Charvel's Guthrie Govan signature model guitar.</p>
<p>The video was created and posted by the gang at <a href="http://www.mattsmusic.com/">Matt's Music Center</a> in Weymouth, Massachusetts. I discovered Matt's Music because they're selling—via eBay—my next guitar. I won't tell you what it is because I don't want you guys swooping in on it before me! </p>
<p>Anyway, it was nice to find out they also post quality gear demos—and for some uncommon brands.</p>
<p>Here's some information on the guitar: </p>
<p>• Caramelized basswood body<br />
• Available with bird’s–eye maple or flame maple top<br />
• Bolt–on "caramelized" flame-maple neck with two graphite rods for enhanced neck stability<br />
• Compound–radius (12″–16″) flame–maple fingerboard with 24 extra jumbo stainless steel frets<br />
• HSH pickup configuration featuring Charvel Custom MFB pickups for clear and transparent tone.</p>
<p>For more information about the guitar, <a href="http://www.charvel.com/featured/2014-signature-model">head here.</a> To follow Matt's Music Center on Facebook, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattsmusiccenter">head in this general direction.</a> Don't buy my guitar!</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1F_GkeQ2mQg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><em>Follow Guitar World's Damian Fanelli on <a href="https://twitter.com/DamianFanelli">Twitter.</a> He's a swell fellow.</em></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/charvel-guthrie-govan-signature-guitar-demo-video#commentsCharvelFMIC Specialty BrandsGuthrie GovanMatt's Music CenterVideosElectric GuitarsNewsGearWed, 17 Dec 2014 18:00:24 +0000Damian Fanellihttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/23132Joe Bonamassa Shreds on 1978 Black-and-Yellow Stripe Charvel — Videohttp://www.guitarworld.com/joe-bonamassa-shreds-1978-black-and-yellow-stripe-charvel-video
<!--paging_filter--><p>Late last week, Joe Bonamassa posted the following video on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JoeBonamassa">his Facebook page.</a></p>
<p>"Here is some a backstage partying with an original 1978 Charvel black-and-yellow stripe guitar just like Mr Van Halen's," Bonamassa wrote as part of the post. </p>
<p>"No red M&amp;Ms, no dancing girls, just a bunch of Diet Cokes and reverb."</p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
<p><strong>P.S.: Be sure to give the Facebook video a few seconds to load in the space below.</strong></p>
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<div class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152867714354659">Post</a> by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JoeBonamassa">Joe Bonamassa</a>.</div>
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<fieldset class="fieldgroup group-additional-content"><legend>Additional Content</legend><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-related-artist">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Related Artist:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
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<a href="/joe-bonamassa">Joe Bonamassa</a> </div>
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http://www.guitarworld.com/joe-bonamassa-shreds-1978-black-and-yellow-stripe-charvel-video#commentsCharvelFMIC Specialty BrandsJoe BonamassaVideosNewsMon, 08 Dec 2014 15:58:33 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/23053Charvel Announces Pro Mod Super Stock Special Edition Guitarhttp://www.guitarworld.com/charvel-announces-pro-mod-super-stock-special-edition-guitar-0
<!--paging_filter--><p>Charvel has released its new Pro Mod Series Super Stock SD1 FR Special Edition.</p>
<p>From the company:</p>
<p>Built for center stage, the spotlight and your favorite solo, Charvel’s limited-run Super Stock So-Cal Silver Sparkle is a dazzling high-performance instrument. Its sleek So-Cal body is clad in a scintillating silver-sparkle finish that looks stunning beneath the stage lights, elegantly complemented by a matching headstock and black pickguard.</p>
<p>Other premium features include a quartersawn maple neck with an oil finish and comfortable Pro Mod profile, fast and smooth compound-radius rosewood fingerboard (12”-16”) with 22 jumbo frets, Seymour Duncan ’59 (neck) and JB (bridge) humbucking pickups, three-position chrome-tip toggle pickup switch and single knurled control knob (master volume), Floyd Rose Original tremolo bridge and locking nut, and non-locking Charvel tuners.</p>
<p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.charvel.com/">charvel.com</a>.</p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/Charvel%20Super%20Stock%20SD1%20FR%5B1%5D.jpg" width="620" height="194" alt="Charvel Super Stock SD1 FR[1].jpg" /></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/charvel-announces-pro-mod-super-stock-special-edition-guitar-0#commentsCharvelFMIC Specialty BrandsElectric GuitarsNewsGearWed, 08 Oct 2014 20:50:26 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/22545Charvel Announces Pro Mod Super Stock Special Edition Guitarhttp://www.guitarworld.com/charvel-announces-pro-mod-super-stock-special-edition-guitar
<!--paging_filter--><p>Charvel has announced its new Pro Mod Series Super Stock SD1 FR Special Edition guitar.</p>
<p>From the company:</p>
<p>Charvel’s limited-run Super Stock SD1 FR wraps a radiant Sunset Orange Flake gloss finish around a classic San Dimas body, lending a brilliant look to a powerful tone machine built for the harder side of rock.</p>
<p>Other premium features include a quartersawn maple neck with an oil finish and comfortable Pro Mod profile, fast and smooth compound-radius maple fingerboard (12”-16”) with 22 jumbo frets, Seymour Duncan ’59 (neck) and JB (bridge) humbucking pickups with cream bezels, three-position chrome-tip toggle pickup switch and single knurled control knob (master volume), top-mount Floyd Rose FRTO1000 double-locking tremolo bridge and locking nut and non-locking Charvel tuners.</p>
<p>While we await a demo video (or for this guitar to be sent to GW HQ), tell us what you think of it based on the photo below and the details above!</p>
<p><strong>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.charvel.com/">charvelguitars.com</a>.</strong></p>
<p><img src="/files/imce-images/Charvel%20Super%20Stock%20620.jpg" width="620" height="198" alt="Charvel Super Stock 620.jpg" /></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/charvel-announces-pro-mod-super-stock-special-edition-guitar#commentsCharvelFMIC Specialty BrandsElectric GuitarsNewsGearFri, 01 Aug 2014 19:43:20 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/22018Video: Jake E. Lee Discusses His Signature Model Charvel Guitarhttp://www.guitarworld.com/video-jake-e-lee-discusses-his-signature-model-charvel-guitar
<!--paging_filter--><p>In the video below, which was posted last month by Charvel, guitarist Jake E. Lee discusses his Charvel signature model guitar. </p>
<p>The former Ozzy Osbourne and Badlands guitarist also discusses the roots of his original white Charvel, which started its life as a sunburst Fender Strat.</p>
<p>Lee also discusses his guitar and more in the February 2014 issue of <em>Guitar World</em>. <a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/jake-e-lee-back-action-red-dragon-cartel-band-shows-more-his-considerable-guitar-chops">You can read the entire interview right here.</a></p>
<p>From Charvel:</p>
<p>"With its unmistakable So–Cal ash body contours and lavender–hued Pearl White finish, the same instrument players have long clamored for becomes the first instrument in the Jake E. Lee Signature series." </p>
<p>For more about Charvel's Signature Series, visit <a href="http://www.charvel.com/featured/2014-signature-model">charvel.com</a>. For information about Lee's new band, Red Dragon Cartel, visit <a href="http://reddragoncartel.com/">reddragoncartel.com.</a></p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NFsJId4B1ZI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EcgOCaOb1vM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/video-jake-e-lee-discusses-his-signature-model-charvel-guitar#commentsCharvelFMIC Specialty BrandsJake E. LeeNAMM 2014Electric GuitarsNewsGearMon, 24 Feb 2014 22:35:10 +0000Damian Fanellihttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/20566NAMM 2014 Video: Charvel Guitars Guthrie Govan Signature Modelhttp://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2014-video-charvel-guitars-guthrie-govan-signature-model
<!--paging_filter--><p>The <em>Guitar World</em> gang visited the Charvel Guitars booth at the 2014 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California.</p>
<p>Among other things, we got the low-down on the company's cool new Guthrie Govan signature series, which is described in our video below.</p>
<p>Charvel’s Mike McGregor showed off both versions of the new model, which he calls "the worse-kept secret in the industry." There's one with a bird’s-eye maple top and another with a flame maple top.</p>
<p>From Charvel:</p>
<p>"After two years in meticulous development working closely with the U.K. guitar virtuoso Guthrie Govan, Charvel is pleased to introduce the ultimate ultra–pro guitar — the Guthrie Govan Signature model. </p>
<p>"With so many special features and high-performance appointments, it’s truly the ideal expression of Govan’s artistry rendered in distinctive Charvel form." </p>
<p>Check out Govan’s signature models in the video below. For more info, visit <a href="http://www.charvel.com/featured/2014-signature-model">charvel.com</a>.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0e6nji9XNuY?list=PLagcgzXkwROjMu6mYIQOmp4eU-uvzhBGj" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2014-video-charvel-guitars-guthrie-govan-signature-model#commentsCharvelGuthrie GovanNAMM 2014NAMM 2014 VideoElectric GuitarsNewsGearThu, 13 Feb 2014 15:16:41 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/20483NAMM 2014 Video: Charvel Guitars Jake E. Lee Signature Modelhttp://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2014-video-charvel-guitars-jake-e-lee-signature-model
<!--paging_filter--><p>The Guitar World gang visited the Charvel booth at the 2014 Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California.</p>
<p>We got the low-down on the company's new Jake E. Lee signature model, and you can check out our video below.</p>
<p>From Charvel:</p>
<p>"With its unmistakable So–Cal ash body contours and lavender–hued Pearl White finish, the same instrument players have long clamored for becomes the first instrument in the Jake E. Lee Signature series." </p>
<p>Although it's not shown in the video, Lee even made an appearance at the Charvel booth to check out his axes and talk about his new band, Red Dragon Cartel. Warren DeMartini and Dave Nassie were also spotted!</p>
<p>For more about Charvel's Signature Series, visit <a href="http://www.charvel.com/featured/2014-signature-model">charvel.com</a>.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="365" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EcgOCaOb1vM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2014-video-charvel-guitars-jake-e-lee-signature-model#commentsCharvelJake E. LeeNAMM 2014NAMM 2014 VideoVideosElectric GuitarsNewsGearMon, 27 Jan 2014 21:42:23 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/20301Going For Broke: Dokken Guitarist Jon Levin Discusses New Album, 'Broken Bones'http://www.guitarworld.com/going-broke-dokken-guitarist-jon-levin-discusses-new-album-broken-bones
<!--paging_filter--><p><em>Broken Bones</em>, Dokken's 11th studio album, features a refreshing return to the signature sound reminiscent of such albums as <em>Under Lock and Key</em> and <em>Back For The Attack</em>. </p>
<p>With songs like “Empire," the title track and “Burning Tears," Don Dokken’s vocals are stronger than ever, and guitarist Jon Levin, now entering his second decade with the band, continues to unleash guitar fury, solidifying his place as one of the true metal greats.</p>
<p>I spoke with Levin about the different approaches he used for recording guitars on <em>Broken Bones</em> (<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/broken-bones/id557872652">Buy on iTunes</a>) as well as his long-standing relationship with Charvel. </p>
<p>He also shares the story of why he decided to become an attorney and how he landed the role of a lifetime with Dokken.</p>
<p><strong>GUITAR WORLD: What packages are available with the new <em>Broken Bones</em> album?</strong></p>
<p>We have the standard CD as well as a CD/DVD combo. The DVD includes an interesting making-of video, along with a track-by-track segment where we talk about each individual song. There’s also some interesting behind-the-scenes footage and a few live clips as well.</p>
<p><strong>How did you approach recording the guitars for this album?</strong></p>
<p>I approached things a little bit differently on the guitar this time around, and it worked out well. I was tired of doing records where I’d find a sound that I thought was great, and by the time all of the other parts got on it and it was mixed, I wasn’t satisfied. This time, I recorded everything on an Eleven Rack. The nice thing about it was, every note I recorded also had a DI signal (the direct sound right out of the guitar). So, later on we were able to go back into the studio and run my direct through any amp I wanted, mic it up and bring it back until I found sounds that I felt were great! It really gave me a lot more flexibility!</p>
<p>I also tried something different with my solos. In the past, I’d usually go into the studio, take a few passes at a solo and as soon as I found something I liked that sounded good, that was pretty much it. This time, I came in only when I was in the mood and I’d do solo after solo until my inspiration ran out. I wouldn’t even listen to any of them at all. Then the next time I felt inspired to play, I’d go back to that song and do the same thing all over again. I did that over a number of days until I had about 15 or 20 different takes, and only then did I go through them and pick what I felt was the most appropriate direction for the song.</p>
<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/I7G3IIgH4zY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p><strong>Tell me a little about your relationship with Charvel.</strong></p>
<p>I’ve been with them since 2004 and couldn’t be happier. They are at a wonderful spot in their history right now, and Mike Shannon and Chip Ellis are just legends in the business. They’re doing a signature model for me that I believe is going to start out in a limited run. I’m very excited about that.</p>
<p><strong>Wasn’t there a period where you became disgruntled with the direction of music and actually changed careers for a while?</strong></p>
<p>Yeah, in the early '90s when the grunge thing came in. In my mind, I saw the entire concept of lead guitar just fall by the wayside. No one was playing solos anymore. It’s not that I didn’t like any of the bands; it just lost its luster to me. Once that happened, I decided to try a different career. So I went to law school, became a music attorney and started a record label.</p>
<p><strong>You credit George Lynch as being one of your influences.</strong></p>
<p>I do. George is a big influence of mine. So it’s pretty amazing that I ended up being in this band; which I’ve now been in for more than a decade.</p>
<p><strong>How did you wind up working with Dokken?</strong></p>
<p>I had known Jeff Pilson for quite a while, and one day he called and left a message asking if I’d be interested in coming in to play guitar on a few demos he was doing. The thing was, I had to come do it right away. I had been “out of the loop” for a while (being an attorney) and wasn’t sure what I was going to do. In fact, I was actually still in a suit at the time, having had spent the day in court. But my father, whose house I was staying in at the time, also heard the message and pushed me into doing it.</p>
<p>So I showed up in the studio and found out rather quickly that it was for Dokken. I literally walked in, and within five seconds Don hands me a red Les Paul and says, “Play!” I asked him if I could at least hear the track first and he said, “No, just play. It’s in E." [laughs]. I wound up playing two solos that day; one of which is on "The Irish Song" from a Japanese release called <em>Long Way Home</em>. That’s actually my lead from that day on there.</p>
<p>A few weeks go by, and I get another call from Jeff. Only this time he says, “Hey man, we’re playing at the Dallas Starplex for 20,000 people. How do you do under pressure?” I said, “Give me the song list!”</p>
<p><strong>As guitarist for Dokken, has being an attorney ever come in handy for you?</strong></p>
<p>Absolutely. I specifically remember an incident that happened during the Hell To Pay Tour in 2004. We were playing a show in Oklahoma City and I had about 10 minutes left to go on stage when I suddenly realized our tour manager was nowhere to be seen. We all immediately figured something was wrong, and sure enough, I checked my phone and there was a message from him saying, “Hey, man! You gotta come bail me out! I’m in the Oklahoma City jail!” Apparently, he had gotten arrested for something really silly. </p>
<p>After the show, we pulled the tour bus up alongside the jail. At this point, I’m still in my leather pants from the gig and still sporting really long hair. So I go in looking to try to get my “client” out of jail. The lady there thought I was crazy; she didn’t believe for a minute that I was a lawyer. Fortunately, I had my bar card on me, so I showed it to her and was able to get him out! [laughs].</p>
<p><strong>Keep up with Dokken at their <a href="http://www.dokkencentral.com">official website</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DokkenBand">Facebook page.</a></strong></p>
<p><em>Photo: Devin DeHaven</em></p>
<fieldset class="fieldgroup group-additional-content"><legend>Additional Content</legend><div class="field field-type-nodereference field-field-related-artist">
<div class="field-label"><p><strong>Related Artist:</strong>&nbsp;<p></div>
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<a href="/george-lynch">George Lynch</a> </div>
</div>
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</fieldset>
http://www.guitarworld.com/going-broke-dokken-guitarist-jon-levin-discusses-new-album-broken-bones#commentsCharvelDokkenJon LevinInterviewsFeaturesThu, 27 Sep 2012 16:57:44 +0000James Woodhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/16834NAMM 2012: Charvel Introduces New Desolation Series Modelshttp://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2012-charvel-introduces-new-desolation-series-models
<!--paging_filter--><p>Charvel is proud to announce the return of two classic body shapes, both in sleekly modern Desolation series form. New Desolation DST and DX guitars offer a variety of features and finishes prized by discerning players everywhere, and both deadly models deliver the devastating tone, killer looks and high-performance playability that separate the Desolation series from all others.</p>
<p>The DST-1 ST Star marks the return of Charvel's classic Star body profile, with features including a neck-through body, maple neck, compound radius (12"-16") rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and Charvel "shark tooth" inlays, EMG 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) humbucking pickups with black bezels and three-way toggle switching, single domed metal volume control knob, stop-tailpiece bridge, locking tuners and black nickel hardware. </p>
<p>Available in Black and Snow White gloss finishes with matching headstock; flame maple-top models also available with multi-ply binding (body, neck and headstock) in Trans Red, Trans Black and Trans Blue Smear gloss finishes with matching headstock. The tremolo-equipped DST-1 FR Star shares all the same formidable features and finish options, with the sole exceptions of having a Floyd Rose locking tremolo and sealed die-cast tuners.</p>
<p>The DST-3 FR 1H Star also has a Star body, with features including a bolt-on maple neck with angled heel, 12"-radius rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and dot inlays, single humbucking pickup with black bezel, single domed metal volume control knob, Floyd Rose locking tremolo, sealed die-cast tuners and black nickel hardware. Available in Black and Snow White gloss finishes.</p>
<p>The DX-1 ST Soloist has Charvel's classic Soloist body profile, with features including a flame maple top (on trans finishes), multi-ply binding (body, neck and headstock; single-ply on Satin Black finish), neck-through body, maple neck with scalloped heel, scalloped upper horn, compound radius (12"-16") rosewood fingerboard with 24 jumbo frets and Charvel "shark tooth" inlays, EMG 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) humbucking pickups with black bezels and three-way toggle switching, single domed metal volume control knob, "football" jack plate, adjustable string-through-body bridge, locking tuners and black nickel hardware. </p>
<p>Available in Black, Satin Black, Snow White, Cherry Sunburst, Trans Black, Trans Red and Trans Blue Smear gloss finishes with matching headstock. The DX-1 FR Soloist shares many of the same features, again with the sole exceptions of having a Floyd Rose locking tremolo and sealed die-cast tuners. </p>
<p>For more information, go to www.charvelguitars.com.</p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/namm-2012-charvel-introduces-new-desolation-series-models#commentsCharvelNAMM 2012NewsWed, 18 Jan 2012 20:16:25 +0000Guitar World Staffhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/14133Photo Gallery: Charvel Introduces Desolation Series Guitarshttp://www.guitarworld.com/photo-gallery-charvel-introduces-desolation-series-guitars
<!--paging_filter--><p>New guitars arrive all the time at the Guitar World office in New York City. Late last week, we received one of the new Desolation guitars by Charvel.</p>
<p>There are 10 new guitars in this first wave of Charvel's Desolation series, including four single-cutaway DS models, three double-cutaway DC models and three Skatecaster SK models, which are based on the Charvel Surfcaster of the early 1990s. </p>
<p>All these models feature mahogany bodies and necks, dual humbucking pickups, three-way switching, solid and transparent finishes (with flame maple veneer on trans finishes) and black nickel hardware. Most feature compound-radius (12”-16”) rosewood fingerboards with 24 jumbo frets in a variety of neck-through, set-neck and bolt-on configurations; Charvel bridges specially designed for compound-radius fingerboards (except DS-3 ST Floyd Rose®-equipped models); and three-on-a-side locking Charvel tuners (except DS-3 ST and Floyd Rose®-equipped models, which have non-locking three-on-a-side tuners).</p>
<p>Here's a breakdown of the new models. Be sure to check out the photo gallery below; some of the photos are from Charvel, and some feature GW's Paul Riario checking out one of the guitars after opening up the box at the office.</p>
<p>• DS-1 ST: Carved top, neck-through-body design, bound neck with scalloped heel, abalone position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, dual Seymour Duncan® Blackout active humbucking pickups, matching headstocks</p>
<p>• DS-1 FR: Carved top, neck-through-body design, bound neck with scalloped heel, abalone position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, dual Seymour Duncan® Blackout active humbucking pickups, Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo, matching headstocks</p>
<p>• DS-2 ST: Carved top, bound set neck with scalloped heel, pearloid position inlays, pearloid body and headstock binding, dual Charvel active humbucking pickups</p>
<p>• DS-3 ST: Carved top, bolt-on neck, 12”-radius fingerboard with dot inlays, dual Charvel passive humbucking pickups</p>
<p>• DC-1 ST: Carved top, neck-through-body design, bound neck with scalloped heel, abalone position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, EMG® 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) active humbucking pickups, matching headstocks</p>
<p>• DC-1 FR: Carved top, neck-through-body design, bound neck with scalloped heel, abalone position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, EMG® 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) active humbucking pickups, matching headstocks, Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo, matching headstocks</p>
<p>• DC-2 ST: Carved top, bound set neck with scalloped heel, pearloid position inlays, pearloid body and headstock binding, dual Charvel active humbucking pickups</p>
<p>Charvel Desolation “SK” Skatecaster models and features are:</p>
<p>• SK-1 ST: Solid body shape based on early-’90s hollow-body Surfcaster, neck-through-body design, bound neck, abalone “keystone” position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, EMG® 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) active humbucking pickups, single control knob (volume), matching headstocks</p>
<p>• SK-1 FR: Solid body shape based on early-’90s hollow-body Surfcaster, neck-through-body design, bound neck, abalone “keystone” position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, EMG® 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) active humbucking pickups, single control knob (volume), Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo, matching headstocks</p>
<p>• SK-3 ST: Solid body shape based on early-’90s hollow-body Surfcaster, bolt-on neck, pearloid “keystone” position inlays, pearloid body and headstock binding, dual Charvel passive humbucking pickups, single control knob (volume)</p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/photo-gallery-charvel-introduces-desolation-series-guitars#commentsCharvelElectric GuitarsNewsGearThu, 24 Nov 2011 14:35:12 +0000Damian Fanellihttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/13670Charvel Unveils New Desolation Serieshttp://www.guitarworld.com/charvel-unveils-new-desolation-series
<!--paging_filter--><p>Charvel has just introduced its new Desolation series of guitars. These are entirely new instrument designs not previously seen in the guitar maker’s 30-year history, which promise to offer more tonal and stylistic options for players.</p>
<p>There are 10 new guitars in the “first wave” of the Charvel Desolation series—four single-cutaway “DS” models, three double-cutaway “DC” models and three highly distinctive Skatecaster “SK” models loosely based on the Charvel Surfcaster of the early 1990s. All feature mahogany bodies and necks, dual humbucking pickup configurations with three-way toggle switching, solid and transparent finishes (with flame maple veneer on trans finishes) and black nickel hardware. Most feature compound-radius (12”-16”) rosewood fingerboards with 24 jumbo frets in a variety of neck-through, set-neck and bolt-on configurations; Charvel bridges specially designed for compound-radius fingerboards (except DS-3 ST Floyd Rose-equipped models); and three-on-a-side locking Charvel tuners (except DS-3 ST and Floyd Rose®-equipped models, which have non-locking three-on-a-side tuners).</p>
<p>Charvel Desolation “DS” single-cutaway models and features are:<br />
• DS-1 ST: Carved top, neck-through-body design, bound neck with scalloped heel, abalone position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, dual Seymour Duncan® Blackout active humbucking pickups, matching headstocks<br />
• DS-1 FR: Carved top, neck-through-body design, bound neck with scalloped heel, abalone position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, dual Seymour Duncan® Blackout active humbucking pickups, Floyd Rose® double-locking tremolo, matching headstocks<br />
• DS-2 ST: Carved top, bound set neck with scalloped heel, pearloid position inlays, pearloid body and headstock binding, dual Charvel active humbucking pickups<br />
• DS-3 ST: Carved top, bolt-on neck, 12”-radius fingerboard with dot inlays, dual Charvel passive humbucking pickups</p>
<p>Charvel Desolation “DC” double-cutaway models and features are:<br />
• DC-1 ST: Carved top, neck-through-body design, bound neck with scalloped heel, abalone position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, EMG 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) active humbucking pickups, matching headstocks<br />
• DC-1 FR: Carved top, neck-through-body design, bound neck with scalloped heel, abalone position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, EMG 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) active humbucking pickups, matching headstocks, Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo, matching headstocks<br />
• DC-2 ST: Carved top, bound set neck with scalloped heel, pearloid position inlays, pearloid body and headstock binding, dual Charvel active humbucking pickups</p>
<p>Charvel Desolation “SK” Skatecaster models and features are:<br />
• SK-1 ST: Solid body shape based on early-’90s hollow-body Surfcaster, neck-through-body design, bound neck, abalone “keystone” position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, EMG 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) active humbucking pickups, single control knob (volume), matching headstocks<br />
• SK-1 FR: Solid body shape based on early-’90s hollow-body Surfcaster, neck-through-body design, bound neck, abalone “keystone” position inlays, abalone body and headstock binding, EMG 85 (neck) and 81 (bridge) active humbucking pickups, single control knob (volume), Floyd Rose double-locking tremolo, matching headstocks<br />
• SK-3 ST: Solid body shape based on early-’90s hollow-body Surfcaster, bolt-on neck, pearloid “keystone” position inlays, pearloid body and headstock binding, dual Charvel passive humbucking pickups, single control knob (volume)</p>
http://www.guitarworld.com/charvel-unveils-new-desolation-series#commentsCharvelDesolation SeriesElectric GuitarsGearWed, 10 Aug 2011 18:25:21 +0000Guitar Worldhttp://www.guitarworld.com/article/12224